Meet the Team

Scott and Jodi Thomason - Owners

Scott and his wife, Jodi, began their journey with early childhood in 2001 as a small in-home daycare in Peoria. Their vision has always been to provide the Peoria area with unique, top-notch childcare experiences that challenge the status quo. After moving and expanding their in-home daycare in 2004, they have been very fortunate to continue fulfilling this vision through the openings of The Wonder Playschool and the acquisition of A+ Children's Academy. They take pride in each of their centers and are grateful for the opportunities to ensure unparalleled care for the children entrusted to their care.

Makenzie - Director of Logistics

Makenzie joined Barefoot Learning, Inc. in 2019 after spending time at Scott and Jodi's in-home daycare. While a large portion of her work is helping things run smoothly behind the scenes, Makenzie's love for the field of early childhood is evident in the way she builds meaningful relationships with both the children and the families of Barefoot Learning. Makenzie loves her work as Logistics Director, however; her favorite role is that of momma to her daughter, MaeLynn and step-mom to her son, Colton. In her free time, Makenzie enjoys going out to eat, cooking and baking, watching a movie, or doing some shopping!

Kelsey - Director of Services

As a Peoria native, Kelsey is dedicated to providing exceptional early childhood programs to the community. She joined A+ STEAM Academy in 2016 and was fortunate to meet Scott and Jodi Thomason through their acquisition of A+  in 2019. Kelsey developed a passion for early childhood at a young age growing up with two older and three younger siblings. Her time attending Suzhou Singapore International School in Suzhou, China as a highschooler continued to deepen her passion for education and community service, as she was able to volunteer and work with young children in a variety of settings. After having the opportunity to raise funds and travel with South Africa Vastfontein Project to help build a secondary school in Pretoria, South Africa, Kelsey knew that education and community service was her place in the world. Kelsey went on to receive her associates degree from ICC in 2018, and continued her education at Bradley University taking coursework in early childhood education with special education certification and English as a second language endorsement. She eventually received her bachelor's degree in human services - child and family studies from Southern New Hampshire University in January of 2022. Post graduation, Kelsey took an opportunity to work with Child Care Connection as a Quality Specialist. This time gave her valuable insight into Illinois' early childhood quality rating systems and allowed her to work alongside and be mentored by leaders in the field like Susan MacDonald, Barbara Volpe, and more. She is so grateful for all she learned during her time as a Quality Specialist and is thrilled to return to The Wonder Playschool as Culture Director!

Karen - Director of Early Childhood Education

Karen has served in early childhood for over twenty-five years. She received her bachelor's degree from Illinois State University in early childhood education. She served as Lead Teacher at a private preschool where she implemented the Project Approach and presented student-led Projects at the NAEYC Conference and the Heart of Illinois Association of the Education of Young Children’s Conference. Karen has worked as a Family Educator, Preschool Teacher, Kindergarten Teacher, and Teacher Mentor in DCFS-Licensed settings for the Peoria County Regional Office of Education Preschool for All Program. Karen joined Barefoot Learning in May of 2017 and continues to partner with families in giving all children a jump-start to school success. 

Kara - Adventurers Lead Teacher

After graduating high school, Kara attended Bradley University and majored in nursing. While in college and after graduation, she worked in home care, caring for elderly clients with dementia. Kara then began nannying and found a huge passion in childcare. She was a nanny for a year and a half. Bonding with children, watching them learn and experience new things, and seeing the small things that they find joy in is what makes her feel fulfilled in working with children and it shows her how beautiful the small things are in life that she otherwise may overlook. 

Crissy - Adventurers Support Teacher

Growing up with a brother ten years her younger, Crissy often assisted her mother in caring for him. Before choosing to become a stay-at-home mom, Crissy worked in various fields, including the food industry, retail, and as a receptionist in an office. When a friend needed childcare, she decided to offer her services from home, occasionally taking care of a few additional children. As her daughter aged, she also cared for younger nieces and nephews, earning the reputation of the “fun” aunt. Crissy has a natural affinity for children of all ages, able to connect with them on their level while also fostering a learning environment. Crissy enjoys spending time with family and friends during holidays, cookouts, and birthdays, as well as casual gatherings by the fire or dining out. In her spare time, she stays active and healthy, having been a member of Farrells for several years, where she kickboxes and uses resistance bands. Additionally, she enjoys walking with friends or her dog, engaging in outdoor activities when the weather permits, tackling yard work, undertaking home projects, or relaxing on the deck.

Doina - Investigators Lead Teacher

Originally from Brasov, Romania, Doina attended University and earned a three-year degree in accounting. Doina moved to the United States in November of 2008 and started working in early childhood in 2014. She quickly realized how much she enjoyed working with children and decided to pursue a new direction with her career. In 2022 Doina completed the Child Development Associate Program. Doina has two sons, Raul and Radu. She enjoys traveling with them to their soccer tournaments. In her spare time, you can find her watching romantic movies or visiting new places. Every year she takes a trip to Florida or the Dominican Republic to relax by the ocean. 

Kristi - Investigators Support Teacher

As a mother of three, Kristy knows how much joy and love children bring. Kristy began babysitting at a young age and loved it. Later, she was a working mother for a while, then a stay at home mom caring for friends' and family members' children. Being around children has always been enjoyable for Kristy and a huge part of her life. With her own children grown, it is so wonderful being surrounded by little ones again. She loves seeing the children at Wonder thrive and grow!

Nicole - Explorers Lead Teacher

Nicole graduated in Primary Education Science from the University of Padua in 2020. Following graduation, she taught children ages 3-4 in a kindergarten for one year, then spent the next two years teaching in the primary public school in Italy. Nicole moved to Peoria in August of 2023 for her husband’s work and has been enjoying her new surroundings. What Nicole enjoys most about working with children is seeing them learn and use that learning to do things on their own. She loves seeing their curiosity and creativity, and being able to watch as they use their imaginations. In her free time, Nicole enjoys walking and jogging, spending time with friends and family, watching movies, reading books, and traveling around the world.

Emily - Support Teacher

Emily recently began pursuing a career in childcare after years of working in retail. When her three children were younger, she had the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom. During that time, she would also regularly care for other little ones in her home. She has found that being around children and helping them learn and grow is one of the most meaningful things she has done in her life, which is what inspired her to become a support teacher. In her free time, Emily enjoys attending the variety of sporting events that her children are involved in or getting outside to enjoy fishing and camping with her family and many pets at home. 

Tonya - Support Teacher

As a proud mother of four children and a grandmother to two, Tonya has spent many years nurturing and supporting children. While raising her own children, their house became “the hang out house” and was often filled with other kids from the neighborhood. In 2012 Tony and her family moved to China where she had the incredible opportunity  to volunteer at the Wuzhong District Orphanage. They also served as a foster family for a two-year-old during their time in China. While Tonya worked fourteen years as a facility director, her time spent raising her own children and caring for children in other capacities gave her a love for seeing children learn. She loves watching their faces light up as they learn or understand something new!